The Garmin Approach R50 has officially arrived, and it’s already making waves in the golf community. With its bold design and feature-packed system, this launch monitor is being hailed as one of the most innovative devices on the market.
Words like “revolutionary” and “greatest launch monitor ever” aren’t just marketing fluff—there’s real substance behind the hype. But with a $5,000 price tag, it’s important to explore whether the R50 lives up to its reputation. This review dives deep into its standout features, potential drawbacks, and whether it’s the right choice for you.
What Is the Garmin Approach R50?
At its core, the Garmin R50 is an optical launch monitor powered by a cutting-edge three-camera system. This allows it to capture incredibly detailed ball and club data, surpassing the accuracy of many competitors. Devices like the two-camera Golf Joy GDs or the Foresight GC3 are impressive, but the R50’s additional camera elevates its performance to a new level.
What sets the R50 apart isn’t just its accuracy—it’s also how approachable and feature-rich it is. From ease of use to cutting-edge technology, the R50 is designed to appeal to golfers who demand the best.
Two Features That Make the Garmin R50 Revolutionary
The R50 offers features that are nothing short of groundbreaking. These two stand out as game-changers:
A Massive, Intuitive Touchscreen Display
One of the R50’s most striking features is its huge, high-definition touchscreen display. Bright, responsive, and easy to navigate, the screen makes operating the device feel seamless. Whether you’re selecting practice modes, analyzing data, or starting a round, the touchscreen ensures a smooth experience.
The simplicity of the design cannot be overstated. If you’re comfortable using an iPad, you’ll feel right at home with the R50. This feature not only adds convenience but also makes advanced golf tech more accessible to a broader audience.
HDMI Output for Simplicity
Another standout feature is the HDMI output, hidden behind a discreet door. This allows you to connect the R50 directly to a projector, eliminating the need for a PC, iPad, or mobile device to display your simulator setup.
This feature simplifies the process for golfers building a home simulator, offering a streamlined setup that’s easy to manage. However, some advanced features still require external devices, which we’ll explore later.
How the Garmin Approach R50 Works
The Garmin Approach R50 combines power with simplicity. Its three-camera system delivers precise ball and club data, and its alignment assistance ensures your ball is properly positioned before every shot.
One of the R50’s biggest advantages is that it doesn’t require special golf balls. Whether you’re using range balls or premium Titleist Pro V1s, the device consistently delivers accurate results. For club data, you’ll need to apply the reflective stickers provided. These are unobtrusive and easy to use, but they’re worth noting if detailed club metrics are essential for your practice.
Garmin Approach R50 Driving Range Overview
The driving range mode is where the R50 truly shines, offering a high-end experience that’s both customizable and user-friendly. The large touchscreen display makes it easy to access and analyze your data, while settings like elevation, temperature, and relative humidity allow for highly tailored practice sessions.
Unlike many competitors, the R50 includes ball and club data at no extra cost, eliminating the need for additional subscriptions. The graphics are crisp, and the interface is intuitive, making this device a pleasure to use whether you’re practicing indoors or outdoors.
Garmin Approach R50 Golf Simulator Overview
The R50 isn’t just a launch monitor—it’s also a powerful golf simulator. With access to 42,000 built-in golf courses, it allows you to play some of the world’s most iconic venues right from the comfort of your home. Setup is straightforward, whether you’re using the 10-inch built-in screen or connecting to a projector.
However, accessing these courses requires a Garmin subscription, which costs $10 per month. While the fee is relatively low, it’s an additional expense that adds to the overall cost. Building out a complete simulator setup—hitting bay, mat, and projector—will also require further investments, potentially pushing the total cost beyond your initial budget.
Garmin Approach R50 3rd Party Software Integration
One of the most exciting aspects of the R50 is its compatibility with third-party software like GS Pro and Awesome Golf. These platforms offer advanced gameplay options and detailed analytics, making them a favorite among serious golfers.
However, there’s a catch. While the R50 connects to these platforms, it doesn’t handle the processing itself. You’ll need a PC or iPad to run the software, which adds complexity and cost. This limitation may be a deal-breaker for users seeking a fully self-contained system, but for those already equipped with compatible devices, it’s a valuable feature.
Accuracy Test: How Does the Garmin R50 Perform?
We put the R50 through a rigorous accuracy test, comparing it to the FlightScope Mevo+, a well-established launch monitor. The results were impressive:
- Ball Speed: Consistently within 2 mph of the Mevo+.
- Carry Distance: Variations of only 3-4 yards.
- Spin Axis and Club Path: Almost identical across multiple shots.
These results confirm Garmin’s reputation for producing highly accurate devices. Whether you’re focusing on ball speed, carry distance, or spin metrics, the R50 delivers professional-grade performance.
Should You Buy the Garmin Approach R50?
The Garmin R50 is a premium device that excels in almost every category, but it’s not for everyone. Its high price and size make it better suited for certain golfers.
If you’re looking for a top-tier launch monitor with groundbreaking features like the touchscreen display and HDMI output, the R50 is an excellent choice. It’s especially compelling for golfers who want a mid-range device that outperforms competitors like the Foresight GC3 at a lower price.
However, budget-conscious buyers might find better value in alternatives like the Garmin R10 or Rapsodo MLM2 Pro. These devices offer reliable performance at a fraction of the cost, making them ideal for casual users or those with limited budgets.
Final Thoughts
The Garmin R50 is more than just a launch monitor—it’s a technological leap forward for golf. Its revolutionary features, from the massive touchscreen to the HDMI output, set a new standard in the industry.
While it’s not perfect, the R50 pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, creating new opportunities for golfers to improve their game. Whether it’s worth the investment depends on your goals, budget, and how you plan to use it.
For those ready to embrace the future of golf technology, the Garmin R50 is a powerful and exciting option. Just make sure you weigh your needs and do your research before taking the plunge.
